Classes from the 1970s

Bob Hertzberg '79 currently vice chairman of Mayer Brown’s Los Angeles office, practices in the global trade and government practice group. He was a member of  the California State Legislature for six years, two of which he served as speaker. Bob cofounded a solar manufacturing company based in the UK, G24 Innovations, and was named by Guardian magazine as “One of the 50 People who could Save the Planet.” He and his wife, Cynthia Telles, have three sons: Raymond (21) a senior at Loyola Film School; David (19), a sophomore studying music at the Juilliard School; and Daniel (17), a senior at Campbell Hall in Los Angeles.

Scott DeVries '79 is a litigation partner in the San Francisco office of Winston & Strawn, focusing on insurance coverage matters and mass torts. He and his wife, Deborah, are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They have three children—Madison (13), Kaitlin (10), and Ryan (7).

Jon Eisenberg '79 , acivil appellate practitioner in Oakland, worked on the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, Inc. v. Obama lawsuit and served on Michael Schiavo’s legal team in the Terri Schiavo case. He wrote a nonfiction account on the latter, The Right vs. the Right to Die. He also authored the appellate practice treatise California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs and is an adjunct professor at Hastings. Jon and his wife, Linda Hillel, celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary this year.

Andrew Sorokowski '79 works at the U.S. Department of Justice. A frequent speaker, he gave a talk called “Forensic History in Environmental Litigation” at the 31st Annual Convention of the Ukrainian-American Bar Association. He also spoke on “Forensic History in CERCLA Counter-Claims,” at the Conference of the Society for History in the Federal Government.

Terry Church '79 , as of counsel at Silicon Valley Law Group in San Jose, focuses on representing late-stage and middle-market technology companies and advising on transactions, alliances, and intellectual property protection. Terry is on the board of directors of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and will serve as chairman in 2010. He lives with his wife and two teenage sons in Danville.

Kristin Adrian '79 is general counsel and chief compliance officer for American Realty Advisors, an institutional real estate investment adviser. She was previously with Nestle USA for 15 years. Kristin and her husband of nearly 25 years have two children, ages 20 and 18.

Susan Teller '79 writes,  “I practice family law in a lovely old building in Portland. After helping with thousands of divorces, I am pleased to report that I am still happily married to a man I met in law school and 29 years, three sons, and three grandsons later still remain very grateful for my life.”

Celia Winkler '79 chairs the Department of Sociology at the University of Montana at Missoula, where she teaches political sociology, sociology of poverty, gender, and social theory. She says, “We are proud of our new option for sociology majors, ‘Inequality and Social Justice,’ which will have a significant service learning component. When not working, I am usually hiking with my dogs, Buster and Kila.”

Tom Banducci '79 was selected by Lawdragon for its “Leading 500 Lawyers in America” list for the second consecutive year. He is the only lawyer from Idaho to make the list.

Scott Righthand '79 writes, “I am the principal of the Law Office of Scott Righthand, which specializes in complex personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability cases. I have been named a Northern California Super Lawyer for the past three years and am currently listed in the Best Lawyers in America. My wife of 25 years, Karen, and I have two children, Jessica and Grady. Jessica graduates from Harvard this year and will intern with National Geographic. Grady, a freshman at USC, is the lead guitarist and songwriter for the Bob Hill Band, a funk rock group.”

Jeanne Scholz '79 says, “I practiced law for 20 years but retired early when my husband did so I could join in on the good times. We started a computer game design company with our son and his friends—we were the management, they were the creative team—until it was bought by Activision. Now I am very involved with art and the business of art. We have seven grandchildren and travel a lot. Good wishes to the class of ’79!”

Larry O'Neill '79 Anyone who had 65 Club Professor Jerome Hill for first-year criminal law remembers the feeling of total intimidation in his classroom. He was famous for asking a question, calling on a student, and yelling out that the answer would be limited to "two words." In the spring of '77, on the last day of class, first-year student and former police officer Larry O'Neill, in full uniform, arrested Professor Hall for "contempt of class." Professor Hall was given only two words to respond. Wholly unruffled by the experience, Professor Hall, standing in front of the class in handcuffs, used those two words well: "Not guilty."

Susan Chapman '79 writes, "I am moving back to San Jose, California after living in Arizona."

Paul Rosenlund '79 , a partner in the trial practice group of Duane Morris' San Francisco office, heads up the Legal Task Force for the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association. During a conference call sponsored by the Association, Paul examined and discussed the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act on the sporting goods industry.

Stephen Biskar '79 writes, "I retired in 2008, after over 27 years as a deputy public defender in both Tulare and Orange Counties."

Jim Bach '79 practices immigration law in San Francisco, and helps write and grade the immigration specialty exam as a commissioner with the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. He enjoys mountain biking and hiking and running in Briones Park in Lafayette.

John Eisenberg '79 was named a Super Lawyer for the fourth consecutive year.

Gary Lieberstein '79 is Napa County's district attorney and serves as president of the California District Attorneys Association.

Elisabeth Hyde '79

says, "My fifth novel, In the Heart of the Canyon, was published in paperback this summer. It's my personal favorite -- 15 strangers on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. The best part was the research, working as a guide's assistant. I'm also looking forward to spending next fall in San Francisco with my husband, Pierre Schlag, who will be on sabbatical from University of Colorado Law School."

Marc Greenberg '79

says, "I enjoyed teaching Civil Procedure 1 and 2 at Hastings last year. My article on China, "Copyright & Calligraphy," was published in the June issue of the Loyola Chicago Journal of International Law. I traveled to Finland and Germany last May to promote graduate law programs at Golden Gate University, where I am the co-director of the intellectual property law program."

Michael Bayard '79

says, "This year I will celebrate being a Construction Alternative Dispute Resolution Neutral for 10 years--after having spent 20 years as a construction attorney. While I loved practicing law, I feel I have found my true calling in the law as a construction mediator, arbitrator and project neutral. At this point I have mediated and arbitrated hundreds of construction disputes. I am based in Los Angeles, but work throughout the country."

Mark Steiner '79

says, "I am the trademark and copyright practice group leader at Townsend Townsend & Crew in San Francisco, and continue to enjoy the practice of intellectual property law. I am a certified mediator through the International Trademark Association."

Jonathan Novak '79

says, "I am celebrating the 10th anniversary of my gallery in Century City with exhibitions of American Pop and Abstract Expressionist art. There is life after law!"

Jon Eisenberg '79

continues to litigate Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, Inc. v. Obama, which challenges the legality of President Bush's warrantless wiretapping program. In March, 2010, U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker granted partial summary judgment for the plaintiffs, finding the government liable for violating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Jennifer Keller '78 temporarily left her Irvine criminal defense practice to act as lead counsel in a fraud and intentional interference with contract case in downtown Los Angeles, winning a $300 million jury verdict for the plaintiff. “I enjoyed my first experience as a ‘prosecutor’ of sorts,” she says. The case was featured on the front page of the Daily Journal.”

Jim Kraus '78 was promoted by Crum & Forster, a national commercial property and casualty insurance company,  to general counsel.

David Roth '78 is the principal of the Real Estate Law Offices of David Roth, specializing in real estate litigation and transactions. He is an executive editor of the California Real Property Journal and is a coauthor of a chapter in the Continuing Education of the Bar publication, titled “California Easements and Boundaries: Law and Litigation.” David speaks regularly on real estate topics and has given CLE presentations to various bar associations.

Marc Garfinkle '78 , a self-employed civil and criminal trial lawyer in New Jersey, also teaches persuasion and advocacy at Seton Hall Law School. His website, Better Testimony, offers workshops to businesses and law enforcement designed to improve the testimony of their witnesses. “I am working on a book and workshop about going directly from law school into solo practice. I’d be glad to send any alum a copy of my latest work, The New Lawyer’s Hip-Pocket Guide to Appearing in Court,” writes Marc.

Susan Hollywood Willey '78 is an attorney with Moyer & Bergman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is the third largest law firm in the state.

John Stephens '78 was elected president and managing partner of San Diego-based Wertz McDade Wallace Moot & Brower. John’s practice focuses on business, real estate and construction litigation, and personal injury cases.

George Kalikman '78 is a partner in the San Francisco office of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis. He is a member of the business services department and the bankruptcy, business reorganization, corporate, and financial services practice groups.

Christian Fritz '78 author of American Sovereigns: The People and America’s Constitutional Tradition before the Civil War, won the designation as an “Outstanding Academic Title for 2008” by Choice, the premier reviewer of scholarly books in North America.

George Kornievsky '78 retired in 2005 and writes, “I don’t miss it one bit!”

Randall Pacheco '78 was appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court bench.

Stephen Pulido '78 is the new presiding judge of family law in Alameda County.

Stephen Pulido '78 is the new presiding judge of family law in Alameda County.

Jennifer Keller '78 was named to the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal's annual list of "The Top 100 Lawyers in California."

Scott Baker '78 was elected as the Northern California representative on Reed Smith's Executive Committee. He is also the firmwide leader of the Intellectual Property Department.

Kurt Peterson '78 was reelected as the Southern California representative on Reed Smith's Executive Committee. Located in the firm's Century City office, Kurt's practice focuses on legal malpractice and complex  business disputes. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Music Center of Los Angeles County and TechnoServe, a nonprofit seeking business solutions to poverty in the poorest regions of the world.

William Faulkner '78

was named to the Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition 2010 in the area of business litigation. A name partner of McManis Faulkner, William leads the firm's business practice, where he represents a wide range of mid-sized Silicon Valley businesses, including high technology companies and advises on corporate and partnership matters.

Jennifer Keller '78

was named to the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal's list of "California's Top Women Litigators." She was also elected to the Hastings Alumni Association Board of Governors.

David Schmidt '78

writes, "I just got back from one and a half years of living in Hong Kong, where I worked for a construction claims consulting firm doing business development work in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China. I had some fantastic experiences there, especially meeting local friends, hiking, traveling and enjoying the cuisine. I did not expect to be working so soon after my return to the Bay Area, but I'm back at my old job! Seems like I didn't miss a beat. Hope to travel to Hong Kong again soon. Call or email me if you're interested in Asia."

Elizabeth England '78

joined to the law firm Morris Polich & Purdy as the managing partner of its new San Francisco office. Morris Polich & Purdy is a 90-attorney law firm specializing in litigation and Elizabeth leads a group of real estate, construction, commercial litigation and transactional attorneys. The San Francisco office is looking for additional attorneys to build practice groups in construction, employment, pharmaceutical products and insurance, and general commercial litigation.

Lynne Carberry '78

writes, "I am retiring from the Athenian School and a career in education this summer. My husband and I are relocating to San Francisco."

Roberto de la Rosa '78

is co-founder and Executive Director of The Organization for the Legal Advancement of Raza, an Immigrants Rights Center located in the heart of the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. He writes, "We are in our 32nd year of operation and continue to provide immigration services to the low-income poor and students at four service centers in Tulare and Kern Counties."

Marc Garfinkle '78

whose book, $olo Contendere -- How to Go Directly from Law School into the Practice of Law Without Getting a Job, is in its second printing, will be the featured speaker and trainer at the Missouri Bar Association’s CLE program in October, “Stepping Up and Stepping Out – The New Lawyer Experience.”   Among other topics, Marc will discuss his “Ten Commandments of Defensive Lawyering.”  In addition to his criminal and civil trial practice, Marc is Professor of Persuasion and Advocacy at Seton Hall Law School and is Municipal Public Defender in Livingston, New Jersey.  He also maintains the website BetterTestimony.com, where he offers seminars and workshops to improve the courtroom performance of attorneys and their witnesses.

 

Marc Garfinkle '78

says, "My CLE company, Marc Garfinkle Seminars, will be a sponsor at the annual convention of the Association for Continuing Legal Education, in New York, July 24-27. The organization serves the professionals at bar associations and law firms who are responsible for providing CLE to their members. I offer seminars from my book, $olo Contendere: How to Go Directly from Law School into the Practice of Law Without Getting a Job, and I offer courses in Ethics and in Courtroom Skills."

Trish Nugent '77 , an active collaborative attorney and mediator in Santa Rosa, also performs in and helps produce the annual “Lawyers with Heart” benefit for Legal Aid of Sonoma County.

Todd Stone '77 and Karen Ladner practice estate planning in different geographic and demographic areas of San Diego. They got married upon taking the Bar right after law school and have plans to travel to Vienna this month where Karen will compete in an international rowing regatta.

David Elefant '77 was a visiting professor of law at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, teaching the basics of the American legal system and American corporate law.

Thomas Maddock '77 , a civil fast-track judge in Contra Costa County, is a member of the California Judicial Council, the policy-making body for the Judicial Branch, a position that was appointed by Chief Justice Ronald George. He was previously the presiding judge of the court and served the Pete Wilson administration as the undersecretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and later as the undersecretary of the Correctional Agency. Thomas is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.

Phil Matthews '77 writes, “I am on the Partners’ Board at Duane Morris and am busy litigating, resolving, and trying complex cases. I enjoy my involvement on the Hastings Board of Governors and the Law Firm Challenge, where I encourage Hastings colleagues to give to the law school in these troublesome times. Youngest daughter is graduating from college this year and already has a job. Mission accomplished with the kids!”

Jerome Gabig '77 , as a program presenter at the 2009 NASA/Army Systems and Software Forum, will provide an analysis on government and industry intellectual property challenges. An attorney in Sirote & Permutt’s Huntsville, Alabama, office, Jerome practices in the area of government contracting and represents a variety of international, national, and local clients.

Campbell Killefer '77 is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Venable, where he has a diverse civil litigation practice, spanning commercial, intellectual property, product liability and toxic torts, real estate, and construction law. “I enjoy my law career and am happily married to my wife, Madeline. We live in Bethesda and have a 26-year-old son who is ‘off the dole’ and a 20-year-old daughter in college. Life is good despite the lousy economy!” he writes.

Alvin Sherron '77 continues his 25 years in private practice with an emphasis in tax controversy, business and real estate litigation. He has offices in downtown Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

Christopher Whelan '77 was named by the Daily Journal and the Recorder as one of the "Top 10 Plaintiff's Employment Lawyers" in California. He argued the case Roby v. McKesson before the California Supreme Court after almost nine years of litigation and more than five years post-verdict.

Phil Matthews '77 was honored by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business as a top lawyer in the field of insurance law. He is a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris.

Robert Farrell '77 was appointed Chief Financial Officer of The Institute for OneWorld Health, a U.S.-based nonprofit pharmaceutical company that develops drugs for people with neglected, infectious diseases in the developing world.

Fonda Karelitz '77 joined Nossaman as a senior attorney in the firm’s healthcare practice, where she focuses on transactional work, complex litigation and regulatory matters. She previously served as senior counsel at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan.

Robert Gonella '77 is a partner in Wendel Rosen Black & Dean's real estate practice. He was a senior corporate counsel with Target Corporation before joining Wendel Rosen.

Sharon Garrett '77 is a partner at Klein DeNatale Goldner Cooper Rosenlieb & Kimball in Bakersfield. She says, "This is part of an effort to reduce the time I am working and eventually retire by training other attorneys to work in my practice area, which is public benefits planning. I primarily arrange for clients to qualify for assistance by the State Medi-Cal program for their long term care costs in nursing homes."

Loretta Siciliano '77

says, "My granddaughter, Lucy Marina Gutkin, was born in May! Such fun!"

Martin Lawler '77

is the author of the immigration law book, Professionals:  A Matter of Degree, which is now in its fifth edition. 

Campbell Killefer '77

writes, "After 32-plus years in private practice at three law firms, I have taken a plunge into legal public service. My wife, Madeline, and I are fortunate in that our kids’ education is paid for and we paid off our mortgage, which liberating. So after exploring various options—government service, inside counsel at corporations, trade associations, and charities, and setting up my own mediation and arbitration service—I have tried something quite different. I am now the Deputy Chief of the Civil Litigation Division in the Maryland Attorney General’s office. My office handles the most important cases filed against the state and the Governor, collaborates with other divisions, and pursues high-profile affirmative cases. Wearing the white hat can be gratifying."

Phil Matthews '77

, a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris, was recognized by Chambers USA in the field of insurance.

Meredith Watts '77

says, "We were so proud to see our son, Matthew, graduate cum laude from Hastings in 2010. For the past 20-plus years, I've been representing indigent prisoners in their appeals. It's been extremely rewarding personally and I love the flexibility of my solo practice. My other main professional pursuit is updating the book I wrote with a colleague for the Rutter Group/West, Ninth Circuit Civil Appellate Practice.

Robert Haslam '76 is a partner in Covington & Burling’s Silicon Valley office, practicing intellectual property and patent litigation.

Robert Capistrano '76 was elected president of The Legal Aid Association of California for 2009.

Marilyn Raia '76 is of counsel in the San Francisco office of Bullivant Houser Bailey, practicing admiralty and transportation law. She started with Derby Cook Quinby & Tweedt, an old San Francisco admiralty firm, as a summer clerk in 1974 and was hired after graduating from law school. Marilyn writes, “I was the firm’s first female attorney and its first woman partner, until the merger with Bullivant in 2000. So in case anyone’s counting, I have been involved with admiralty and transportation law at basically the same place for 35 years!”

Michael McMahon '76 , as the chief deputy public defender for Ventura County, is in charge of writs, appeals, and training. He also chairs the Amicus Committee for the California Public Defenders Association and lives in Carpinteria.

Michael Jester '76 writes, “Vince McLorg '76, who passed away after an all-too-short battle with lung cancer, was an exceptional member of the Bay Area legal community. A founding partner of McGlynn McLorg & Ritchie, Vince was a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates. He also cherished his Harley-Davidson and rode with a group of about 20 bikers. Vince and his wife, Kathy, had two sons, Colin and Kyle. A great person and terrific attorney, Vince was one of my best friends for over 30 years.”

John Larimore '76 writes, "I am the team leader in the Social Security Administration's Regional Public Affairs Office's Critical/Congressional Unit, where I facilitate communication to resolve concerns raised by claimants, beneficiaries, attorneys, congressional staff, Social Security managers and supervisors, other government agencies, and the public. I find the work rewarding!"

Michael Kelly '76 was selected by a poll of attorney-readers of the Recorder legal newspaper as the "Best Personal Injury Attorney" in San Francisco. He is the first attorney to be selected for this award. He was also featured on the cover of the 2009 Northern California Super Lawyers magazine, and named to the "Northern California Top List" for the 12th consecutive year by Best Lawyers in America. Kelly's practice is limited to catastrophic personal injuries and wrongful death. In January 2010, he will be the president of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Ronald Ward '76 was honored with the Washington Association for Justice 2009 Carl Maxey Diversity Award for his "unwavering vision, eloquence and gentle persistence in inspiring and motivating us to do everything possible to achieve diversity within our organization."

John Koeppel '76

was appointed Chairman of the Board for the San Francisco Food Bank. 

Mary Christie '76

writes, "In 2002, I left my position as of counsel at Pillsbury to return to my first profession of early childhood education. Between 2003 and 2007, I worked on a variety of projects in Afghanistan. My most satisfying work was with Catholic Relief Services, helping set up a preschool program in the Panjshir and Kapisa provinces. However, I stopped going to Kabul because the dust gave me severe asthma. Now, I work as a substitute teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District's daycare program and  volunteer with SF State's Headstart Program and with the Bar Association of San Francisco."

Linda Feldman '76

writes, "I am a judicial attorney for Justice Ming Chin of the California Supreme Court. We moved to Napa recently because my husband became Chief Deputy District Attorney of the county."

Jane York '76

is now a retired trial court judge working part time in the assigned judges program, mainly in South Lake Tahoe. She lives in Nevada City and enjoys hiking, gardening and riding her horse. Jane say, "My interest in Southwestern archeology continues, and I travel there extensively, especially to Santa Fe each summer."

Bob Lesh '76

just completed a one-year term as the chair of the Certified Family Law Specialists Executive Committee for San Diego County, and is serving out the last year of his second three-year term as an elected member of the Executive Committee. He received the Mike Shea Award in 2009, given annually to the San Diego attorney who shows a high degree of ethical integrity and a desire to help mentor younger family law attorneys.

Professor Peter Fitzgerald '76

is spending the 2010-2011 academic year in the United Kingdom, where he is serving as the Resident Director of the Stetson University College of Law "Autumn in London" semester abroad program. He is  also conducting sabbatical research on international issues in animal law as a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University's Lauterpacht Centre for International Law and as a MacCormick Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.

Basil Plastiras '75 practices real estate and professional liability law with Plastiras & Terrizzi in Marin County. He previously founded and was general counsel of Orion Partners Commercial Real Estate and also started Parkway Properties Investment Corporation, which owns and manages office and retail properties in Northern California. Basil says, “My wife, Karen, and I live in Tiburon and have two children, who are both in college now. I am the first vice president of the Hastings 1066 Foundation (which is doing great work!) and will become president in 2010.”

Stephen Acker '75 was named vice chair of the Law Practice Management Committee by DRI – The Voice of the Defense Bar. He is a partner in the Los Angeles firm of Acker & Whipple.

Lawrence Wong '75 writes, "I am the founder and principal of Wong & Associates in Oakland, one of the preeminent Asian law firms in the Bay Area."

Jim Pokorny '75 is a solo practitioner in San Diego, handling criminal defense and air crash litigation matters. He lives in Coronado with his wife, Tamara, and their two children. The family flies together in their Cessna 210, which Jim uses in his practice as well. “This alum loves his job and has no aspirations of becoming a judge!” he exclaims.

Patrick Cathcart '75 writes, “My small firm, Cathcart Collins, was acquired by Adorno last year.”

Norman Boxley '75 practices civil defense trial and appellate litigation in Pasadena and Las Vegas. He is grandfather to Charlotte Rae Olson, his daughter Jennifer’s baby.

Larry Guy Sage '75 exclaims, “Salaam Alekium! I am still in Afghanistan, this time working with the Security Sector, as compared to the Justice Sector last time. My elder son is coaching football at the University of New Hampshire, and my youngest son graduated from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Academy. My wife, Debbie, is fixing up our new house from scratch, and I can’t wait to get home and see everyone. Please remember—keep your spirits up, aim level, and your head down!”

Dan Donovan '75 joined the board of directors of the Montana Innocence Project, which works to exonerate innocent Montana inmates and prevent wrongful convictions. The first group in Montana to undertake this work, it has been widely recognized nationwide. Dan is also president of the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Joel Rubin '75 says, "I am participating in Self-Reflection In Action for Conflict Professionals, a program that works on recognizing how our internal reality impacts the work that we do. The program is lead by Gary Friedmand, of The Center For Understanding In Conflict, and Norman Fisher, poet, author and former Abbott of the San Fransico Zen Center."

Brian Pennix '75 writes, "I practiced tax and business law in Palo Alto and Boston until early retirement in Truckee in 1994. My wife, Gail, passed away there in 2002. Our daughter, Stephanie, is a litigator in Seattle. I married Camille Rosati in 2005, and we live in Danville where I spend time managing family investments."

Rick Seabolt '75 was honored by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business as a top lawyer in the field of insurance law. He is a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris.

Stephen Gardner '75 joined Manatt Phelps & Phillips as a partner in the Energy, Environment & Natural Resources practice group. He is based in the firm's Washington, D.C., office. 

George Rehm '75 was elected to the board of directors of Adamas Pharmaceuticals. He is a managing partner of Aeris Capital AG in Switzerland, a private equity firm, and is also of counsel to the German law firm of Weitnauer Partners.

Robin Wakshull '75 retired after over 31 years in the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.  She writes, "I am enjoying the experience of being outdoors during daylight hours on weekdays and exploring new interests and hobbies."

Joseph Suozzo, Jr. '75 writes, "I took a detour from the legal field, returning to graduate school in 1994 and earning a doctorate in psychology in 2000. I see clients and supervise doctoral interns at a medical clinic in Escondido. Psychology is a great fit for me, as I am fascinated by the work."

Larry Sage '75 and Colonel Tom Umberg '80 celebrated their election as president and vice-president of the Wazir Akbar Khan (Afghanistan) Chapter of the Hastings Alumni Association. "Our plans for next year include a vigorous recruitment drive, to be capped off with a festive barbecue (BYOG). Any Hastings alumni in the greater Kabul area are encouraged to join this lively Chapter," writes Larry.

Basil Plastiras '75

writes, "I continue my real estate and professional liability practice, while serving as president of the UC Hastings 1066 Foundation, and co-chair, with Ronnie Caplane '75, of our Reunion Committee (Oct 1-2 - save the date!)."

Rick Seabolt '75

, a partner in Duane Morris' San Francisco office, was recognized by Chambers USA in the field of insurance.

Rick Seabolt '75

, a partner at Duane Morris' San Francisco office, was confirmed as the Association of Business Trial Lawyers Northern California Secretary. This typically leads to service as the Association's president four years later.

Deborah Ballati '75

was named president-elect of the American College of Construction Lawyers. When the president-elect post concludes in 2011, Deborah will serve as the first-ever female president of the organization. Deborah is a partner in Farella Braun + Martel’s construction and insurance coverage practice groups, where she represents companies in the construction industry, including owners, contractors and design professionals. She is currently an arbitrator for the San Francisco Superior Court and the American Arbitration Association, and has served as a Judge Pro Tem in the San Francisco Superior Court.

Arla Ertz '75

writes, "I participated in the Gaza Freedom March last December, in which a group of nearly 1,400 marchers from over 40 countries caravaned across the Sinai Peninsula toward Gaza. We marched side-by-side with thousands of residents of Gaza. I also had the pleasure of marching with such distinguished participants as Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, 85-year-old Holocaust survivor, Hedy Epstein, and President of the US Center for Constitutional Rights attorney, Michael Ratner."

Ann Ravel '74 was selected by the Obama administration to head the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division Torts Branch and Office of Consumer Litigation in Washington, D.C.

Allan Keown '74 writes, “Since retiring a year ago after 31 years with the State Public Defender’s Office and the California Department of Education’s Legal Office, I have been living the ‘good life’ in Napa Valley and Sacramento.” He enjoys traveling, following the Sooners, volunteering at the Veteran’s Home in Yountville, and working part time on employment cases with his good friend, Kathleen Herdell, in St. Helena.

Brian Forbes '74 lives in La Jolla and is married with five grown children. A litigation partner in the San Diego office of DLA Piper, Brian focuses on ethical compliance, conflicts avoidance, risk management, and loss prevention.

Steven Waldo '74 writes, “My eldest daughter, Amanda, is a PhD student in English at UCLA and plans to become a professor. My son, Lloyd, graduated from UC Davis and is teaching English in Prague. Rebecca graduated in June from her master’s program in theater at NYU and has returned to California looking for technical theater work in the Bay Area. Her twin, Hilary, graduated from Boston College and spent seven months relaxing and traveling in South America. She is now looking for work—her mother and I are hopeful.”

Cecily Drucker '74 writes, “I have again unleashed my entrepreneurial spirit, founding Bottom Line Time, where I am also CEO. My company is building a suite of time relationship management software products, which fit seamlessly into the high-value workers’ fragmented workday and provide them with the ability to accurately quantify work tasks for revenue generation and productivity analytics. The first product, MonetaSuite, is on the market now.” She does long-distance cycling and high-altitude trekking when not working.

Carol Mon Lee '74 in her first run for elective office, won an island-wide election for a seat on the Hawaii State Board of Education against a 20-year incumbent. The Board of Education sets policy for the public education system and the library system.

Peter Karlen '74 established the NEONYM Naming & Trademark Service, which provides naming and trademark selection services. He also authored The Art of Naming: NEONYM Creative Guide to Selecting Names & Trademarks, and The Aesthetics of Trademarks published by Contemporary Aesthetics.

Byron Mellberg '74 is of counsel at Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel and earned the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Professional Accreditation. He is only the second lawyer in Silicon Valley and the 21st in California to receive this designation.

Kenneth Ward '74 is a partner and trial lawyer at Archer Norris’s Walnut Creek office and is on the firm’s management committee. He leads the firm’s On-Call Trial Counsel team.

Susan Orton '74 is a candidate for an LLM in Latin American Law at the University of Texas, Austin.

Jack McCowan '74 , a partner with the drug and medical device group of Gordon & Rees, was appointed chair of the Defense Research Institute’s Drug & Medical Device Committee. Jack previously served as the Committee’s vice chair and continues to serve as a member of the Drug & Medical Device Steering Committee. 

Benjamin Fisherow '74 was a finalist for the Service to America Medals, which is an awards program organized by Partnership for Public Service that pays tribute to America's dedicated federal workforce, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to the U.S. Benjamin is a deputy section chief of the Environmental Enforcement Section for the Environment and Natural Resources Division in the Department of Justice.

Charles Lamont '74 was appointed chief legal officer and executive vice president of Delta Dental of California. He oversees the corporation’s legal, regulatory and compliance activities, as well as human resources and public and government affairs.

Kenneth Ward '74 , a partner in Archer Norris's Walnut Creek office, was recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer for the third consecutive year. He is also recognized as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a Master in the American Inns of Court.

Thomas Kidde '74 has been a partner in the intellectual property group of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith in Los Angeles for the last 11 years. He has three children-Katherine, a lieutenant in the Navy and nurse stationed at Camp Pendleton; Elizabeth, a nurse at Chidren's Hospital in Boston; and John, a recent graduate from Santa Clara who is looking for employment. He writes, "I spend 'free' time as the junior varsity lacrosse coach for Loyola High School. Watching adolescent males hit each other with sticks is excellent therapy."

Richard Thalheimer '74 says, "After 35 years creating The Sharper Image, I thought I was ready for a break. But no--now I have a new company, RichardSolo.com. It has great customer service and interesting products. And my Hastings degree really helped throughout!"

Charles McClain '74 was a featured speaker at the California Appellate Judicial Attorneys Institute, which brings together research attorneys from all the California appellate courts. He spoke on "The Phil Gibson Era of the California Supreme Court: 1940 -64".  Charles is vice chair of the Jurisprudence and Social Policy and Legal Studies Programs at UC Berkeley. He teaches and writes in the field of American Legal History.

Donald Costello '74

writes, "I have been a trial lawyer for 35 years, now located in San Diego. I am also the founder and president of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a national organization of approximately 4,000 of the the top trial lawyers in the country. I have also recently taken up auto racing."

Gene Erbstoesser '74

writes, “I retired from Ernst & Young in 2009 after 31 years. For the last five years, I was Deputy General Counsel of Ernst & Young Global in London, where I advised the global management as well as individual Ernst & Young member firms around the world on litigation, regulation of the audit profession and liability reform. While based in London I traveled extensively to countries as varied as China, Russia, India, Japan, South Africa, Chile, Maldives as well as Ireland, the UK and the Continent – a great chapter with which to end my Ernst & Young career. After returning to my home Long Beach I took a position as Special Litigation Counsel with PIMCO in Newport Beach, the world’s leading fixed income investment manager. I remain active in the Association of Corporate Counsel. I read history, play golf, attend USC sporting events and exercise in my spare time.”

 

Judy Mazia '74

served as a judge in the Finals of the American Bar Association National Representation in Mediation Competition at the ABA Dispute Resolution Spring 2010 Conference. She serves as a mediator for the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Mike Freed '74

is transitioning from an active litigation practice in Honolulu to a grape-growing, beginning winemaker at a 24-acre vineyard operated in the Umpqua Valley, Oregon by Mike and his wife, Pam. Mike says, "We hope to have our tasting room open this fall."

Hindi Greenberg '74

says, "I conduct career consultations with lawyers who aren't happy with their work through my company, Lawyers in Transition. I recently conducted a career seminar sponsored by the California Bar which 200 people attended in person and 1,200 viewed a simultaneous live webcast. I also continue to do outplacement work for law firms and speak around the country to bar associations and law schools. I was featured in the cover story of the January 2010 California Bar Journal. I love living in Nevada City, in the Sierra Foothills, and have recently been elected president of the board of The Center for the Arts, a major performing arts producer and brick and mortar venue. In my spare time, I hike, snowshoe, write performance reviews for the newspaper, and create and buy art."

John Herlihy '74

, former Supervising Judge of the Civil Division of Santa Clara County Superior Court, joined the JAMS San Jose Resolution Center. During his distinguished 29-year career on the bench, John has managed, settled or tried thousands of the county’s most complex civil litigation cases. He has received numerous awards, including County Judge of the Year from the Santa Clara Trial Lawyers Association.

Lynne Feldman '74

moved from Central Illinois to San Diego last summer and opened an immigration law firm with her son, Jason, who is graduate of UC San Diego Law School. Her daughter, Lauri, graduated from Columbia University and is working for the New York Federal Reserve and taking the LSAT's.

John Swan '74

continues to enjoy retirement in Carlsbad, California with his wife, Catherine.

John Herlihy '74

has been a mediator, arbitrator, and discovery referee at JAMS since January 2010. John retired from the Santa Clara County Superior Court at the end of 2009, after serving over 29 years on the Bench. He continues to teach at Santa Clara University School of Law. He just served on an MCLE panel for the employment section of the County Bar.

Penn Butler '73 , a partner at Wendel Rosen Black & Dean in Oakland, practices bankruptcy law, specifically in corporate restructuring and Chapter 11 reogranizations.

Tom Miller '73 writes, “After years of practicing primarily in Southern California, the Miller Law Firm opened its practice in San Francisco. My daughter, Rachel, and I represent owners of multiunit high-rise, mid-rise and low-rise condominiums, and town homes with construction defects.”

John Pearson '73 is a retired U.S. bankruptcy judge and is available to conduct commercial mediation nationwide. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, and is an adjunct professor at Kansas University Law School.

Peter Swisher '73 The Virginia State Bar’s Family Law Section named Peter Swisher the 2009 recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes persons who have demonstrated excellence and have made a substantial contribution to the practice of family law in Virginia. Peter is a professor of law at the University of Richmond.

Bill Smith '73 writes "I still practice with Abramson Smith Waldsmith in San Francisco and am very active with the American Board of Trial Advocates and its Civility Matters program. I am also involved in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. I was recently asked to join the Barristers Society's Board, which is a great honor. My wife, Laureen, and I continue to bike, boat and ski when we can. My 27-year-old son, Adam, is doing well with Eyewonder, an Internet advertising company, in San Francisco and my 25-year-old daughter, Katie, is living in West Los Angeles working for Cedar Sinai Medical Center in charge of its Sports Spectacular annual fundraising event. Laureen and I also have two younger daughters, Mackenzie (16) and Bailey (13), living at home. They are both good students and athletes. Life is good!"

Stephen English '73 , a shareholder with Bullivant Houser Bailey, was recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business as a leader in the field of commercial litigation. He has also been named to Best Lawyers in America for four consecutive years and as an Oregon Super Lawyer for the past four years.

Sandra Blair '73

, a certified family law specialist, received an Award of Merit from the Bar Association of San Francisco as an outstanding member. She completed a three-year term as Chair of the Arbitration of Attorney-Client Fee Disputes Committee where she issued orders interpreting the Rules and Codes governing the program and chaired meetings. She also wrote the new 2009 chapter on Same-Sex Marriage for California Domestic Partnerships (Continuing Education of the Bar, 2005). Sandra and her long time partner, Carol, were married in 2008.

John Pearson '73

, a retired United States Bankruptcy judge for the District of Kansas and a former designee to the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Tenth Circuit, joined the law firm of Adorno & Yoss. As a partner in the firm's creditors' rights, bankruptcy and secured transactions department, John participates in leading complex bankruptcy matters for clients across the U.S. His expertise includes debt restructuring, workouts, bankruptcy reorganization and complex litigation.

Michael Obrand '73

is pleased to announce that his son, Jesse David Obrand, was admitted to the California Bar, and is joining his father to open the Obrand Law Group in Dana Point.

Gary Kilpatric '72 The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association gave Gary Kilpatric its Jason Kellahin Award for outstanding service to the oil and gas industry. The association recognized his efforts in the legislative arena, most recently in negotiating the passage of the Surface Owners Protection Act. Gary chairs the association’s legislative committee. He is the director of the firm Montgomery & Andrews in Santa Fe.

Gerry Scatena '72 received an LLM, magna cum laude, in international law, through a joint program between Loyola and the University of Bologna, Italy. He also holds a master’s in international law from this same program. Gerry writes, “I spent four months in Los Angeles and five months in Bologna and met some wonderful professors and students from around the world.”

Steve Crane '72 says, “I am happy to announce the launch of my website, FireRock Research, an Internet company focused on investment research. My firm also won the groundbreaking case Scott v. Cingular, where the Washington Supreme Court struck down contract bars on class action participation by cell phone customers.”

Daniel Whitehurst '72 was elected the new vice chairman of AAA Club Affiliates’ board of directors. He is also the board chair of the Institute for Local Government and serves on the Advisory Board of the School of Liberal Arts at Saint Mary’s College.

Ernest Krause '72 writes, "I am mostly retired in Sacramento with my longterm friends, my birds and my dog. Anyone who knew me, feel free to write!"

Clark Byam '72 writes, "I am now in my 37th year of practice, all of which has been spent with the firm Hahn & Hahn, located in Pasadena. I spoke at the fall meeting of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel in Williamsburg, Virginia, and also at the Aviva Bobb Advanced Probate Volunteer Panel Attorney Training Symposium in Los Angeles."

Denis Honeychurch '72 was recognized by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization program for 30 years of continuous participation as a board certified criminal law specialist.

Susan Weber '72 says, "In 2007, I retired as an attorney with the Department of Water Resources to spend time with my twins, Christopher and Emily, before they went to college. Now that they are launched, I'm experimenting to see what would be fun to do next. One idea-teaching English as a second language."

James Preston '72 was appointed as a member of the State Bar of California's Family Law Executive Committee for a three-year term at the Annual State Bar Conference in San Diego.

Cynthia Mertens '72

writes, "I continue to lead the exciting, challenging and fulfilling life of a law professor and academic dean at Santa Clara University School of Law where I have been since 1975. I also frequently serve as a consultant and expert witness in real estate matters. I completed my first sprint triathlon two years ago and came in third in my age group (and yes, there were more than three competitors). I enjoy my family, exercise, traveling, hiking, reading, and many other activities."

Gerald Scatena '72

received an LLM, magna cum laude, in international law from Loyola Law School in a joint program with the University of Bologna.

William Sells '72

says, "After over 30 years of criminal and civil litigation, where I was admitted to practice in four states, and service in the Army JAG Corps, and as a Rule of Law adviser in Afghanistan, I'm going back to the 'glorious Islamic Republic' for more of the same...wish me luck!"

Howard Watkins '72

writes, "The Fresno County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution proclaiming me as the County's current Photo Laureate. I am donating my 200,000+ photographs to CSU Fresno."

Ernest Krause '72

says, "I am semi-retired (it happens!) in Sacramento, handling workers' compensation cases. And attending the gym!!"

John Barrie '72

was elected vice-chair of communications for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation.

John Meyer '71 The Washington State Association for Justice named John Meyer “Judge of the Year.” He has served on the Skagit County Superior Court for 15 years.

Richard Johns '71 has a small practice in San Francisco. He chairs the Oversight Committee charged with the liquidation of Coudert Brothers in New York. Richard says, “I am also president of the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, where we are raising $30 million to spruce up the Old Mint at Mission and 5th streets so it can serve as the museum’s permanent home.”

Tommie Whitener '71 says, “While continuing my family law practice in Marin, I have begun a master’s degree in an international relations program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. The program features two residencies in Boston and one at the Hague.”

Armand Salese '71 writes, “This year marked my 20th year listed in the Best Lawyers in America in labor and employment law. I still practice and love to fish in San Carlos, Mexico.”

Andrew Olsson '71 Andrew Winter—pen name for Andrew Olsson—wrote Prisoners of War, part one of the Duper’s Fork trilogy.

Lee Shattuck '71 says, "I have been retired for five years after 31 years with the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office. We split our time between our house in San Francisco and cabin at Tahoe. I ski about 100 days a year, and bike, play tennis, golf, and motorcycle in the U.S. and Europe in warm weather. I also practice yoga for perspective."

Richard Johns '71 writes, "I have one eight-month old grandson and another one on the way, and am happily living just a few doors away. As part of my long-term plan to keep everyone well dressed, for the past nine months I worked on saving the Wilkes Bashford stores. I did my part, now you guys do yours."

Paul Supnik '71

was selected for inclusion in the Southern California 2010 edition of Super Lawyers magazine for intellectual property.

Alan Melnicoe '71

retired in 2005 as a partner at Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel in San Jose, where he specialized in technology law. He now teaches a seminar on commercial contract writing at Hastings. He says, "It's really gratifying to be able to pass along some of the skills I learned in my 34 years of practice."

Paulette Janian Melkonian '71

was voted "Best of the Best" attorney by readers of the Selma Enterprise and Kingsburg Recorder, newspapers of general circulation in Fresno County. The senior partner of Shepard Shepard & Janian, Paulette was interviewed by Channel 24 KFSN television, as part of the Central Valley Today program, featuring the law firm as the oldest business in Selma.

James "Jim" Arnold '71

says, "Environmental law just gets better and better! I served on the 2009 Task Force of the State Water Resources Control Board to successfully reform the $250 million Underground Storage Tank Fund. I am also continuing with Hastings alumni mentoring. And, after 40 years of Earth Days, our planet is still here! Life is good."

Jay Knight '71

joined the Los Angeles office of Jackson Lewis to head up its West Coast employee benefits practice.

Peter Buxtun '71

writes, "Here is a picture of Bill, playing Santa Claus. Last year he was wild and running free on government land. Congress says that there are too many wild horses and they must be rounded up and sold or to good homes. Bill got a good home with a young friend who trained him to do tricks and be a 'cow pony.' Bill and my friend (also dressed as Santa) visited a poor neighborhood in South Carolina last year for Christmas, where they had a parade and gave the children in the community candy. We each do what we can to bring Christmas to those who love us."

Tommie Whitener '71

received a Master's Degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston, where he was selected by his classmates to give the commencement address. He continues his active family law practice in Marin County, while seeking employment in Europe where he can use his Rusian language skills.

Dennis Coupe '71

says, "I am fully retired and enjoying life. I am grateful for my good fortune, and I wish as much for others."

Steven Lowe '71

writes, "I sold my company and retired in 2006. We live in Salt Lake City during the summer and San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico during the winter. We have three grandchildren and have been very fortunate. Travel is a passion. Life is just wonderful and fascinating, and I have only good and interesting memories of Hastings and San Francisco. Saludos!! Travel safely."

Michael Case '71

, a founding partner of Ferguson Case Orr & Paterson, one of the largest firms on the Central Coast of California, was again named as a Southern California Super Lawyer and was highlighted in the Pacific Coast Business Times as a leader in professonal services. Michael continues to specialize in business and real estate litigation. His son, Robert, is a 2001 graduate of Hastings.

James Thompson '70 runs a general law practice in Redwood City, which he began in 1971. He and his wife, Joanne, have lived in their Redwood City home for the past 35 years. “I enjoy general practice because I work on individual legal matters for clients and not corporations or governments,” James says. “I would love to help any Hastings alum who needs a temporary office in Redwood City when he or she may be in court. Thanks to Hastings for all it has allowed me to achieve in helping my community.”

Palmer Riedel '70 Maintaining an active practice with offices in Walnut Creek and Palm Desert, Palmer Riedel continues to focus on business, real estate, and construction cases and high-conflict family law and parental alienation litigation. He and his wife, Susan, celebrated their 42nd anniversary in June and their first grandchild in July.

Robert Appleton '70 writes, “I just formed a new general practice law firm with Carl Pohle, a longtime associate. We are very excited about our new venture.”

Charles Schwartz '70 says, "Retired for the last two years, I have been living in Paris and wintering in the Florida Keys. So far I am enjoying life after my career as a civil litigator."

Robert Gebhardt '70 is a partner in Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker's San Francisco office.  His practice focuses on commercial litigation, product liability and professional liability.

Michael McGowan '70

left the practice of law years ago, and became a financial advisor. His second book, Financial Foghorn's Guide to Gold, is available on Amazon.  James writes, "If you think lawyers are not going to need to know about gold in the near future, you also think the State of California is going to increase financial support for Hastings."

 

Neil Bardack '70

is a partner in Hanson Bridgett's San Francisco office, where his practice includes technology, securities, unfair competition, fiduciary fraud and corporate and business disputes. He was a founding partner at McQuaid, Bedford & Van Zandt before joining Hanson Bridgett in 2008.

Hal Small '70

has been named a Super Lawyer for the past three consecutive years. He was also named one of the Top Wealth Managers in San Diego County in 2007 and 2010.

Tom Miller '70

has been in big demand lately in the Bay Area, as a featured speaker at the Executive Council of Homeowners luncheon in April, the High Rise Condo Managers San Francisco Managers Information Group breakfast in June, and the Levy and Ehlinger managers conference in September. Tom was re-elected to the Hastings 1066 Foundation Board and was selected as a Super Lawyer in construction litigation.